DPCW_1038 : HWPL’s 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace

Every May, peace-loving people gather in Seoul, Republic of Korea, and major cities around the world and hold the Peace Walk and various peace culture events to advocate for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). This year, HWPL's 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace will be held online due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

 

25 May 2013 is the day when the Declaration of World Peace was proclaimed, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) was founded, and the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) was established.

 

The following concept note addresses the significance of the 8th Annual Commemoration that will be held on 25 May and topics that will be discussed that day.

 

 

○ CONCEPT NOTE

 

HWPL’s 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace

- Citizen-Led Peacebuilding Initiative for Global Coexistence and Harmony -

 

1. Summary

HWPL’s 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace will be hosted via online on 25 May 2021, in commemoration of the spirit of the Declaration of World Peace proclaimed in front of the World Peace Gate in Seoul, South Korea, on 25 May 2013.

 

Through the Declaration of World Peace proclaimed eight years ago, HWPL proposed an effective and practical measure to achieve world peace and cessation of war in which the entire world can implement. Along with this proclamation, over 30,000 youths from around the world participated in a peace walk that spread to various continents and countries to be a symbol of a grassroots global peace movement.

 

Based on these achievements, this year’s commemoration includes discussions on designing a citizen-led peace movement and strengthening cooperation to promote humanity’s coexistence and harmony as we overcome global uncertainties that stem from hatred, conflicts, misunderstanding, and lack of communication in this current pandemic era.

 

This event is hosted by HWPL, with the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) and the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) that are building a global peace network alongside HWPL.

2. Background

Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light was founded on 25 May 2013, which was also when Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL proclaimed the Declaration of World Peace he drafted. Chairman Lee proposed a basic framework for international cooperation for peace through this declaration, which includes the participation of global leaders for international law for peace, creation of a global peace network of youth and women, and the role of media. Around 30,000 citizens participated in a peace walk that took place on the same day of the declaration, which became a symbol of the public’s voice for peace.

 

The fundamental principles of the Declaration of World Peace evolved into the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), which proposed a progression for peace in which every individual, country, international organization, and non-governmental organization can participate.

 

The DPCW deals with the current global issues of conflict that have been intensifying through war and its clauses include prevention and solution for conflicts, gradual reduction of war potential and repurposing weapons for public welfare, practical approach to religious and ethnic issues, and spreading the culture of peace.

 

International organizations as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations from over 193 countries declared their support for the DPCW, and the result of their participation for this peace movement was also made possible by the participation of the citizens around the world.

 

3. Purpose and Result

HWPL declared that it would “March On Toward Sustainable Peace in a Pandemic Era” to respond to the pandemic. Many risks to peace have appeared globally in different forms during this crisis. In light of this, the event will diagnose various global issues such as hatred against certain groups, education gaps, climate change, the economy and welfare, human rights infringement, violence in cyberspace, and religious and ethnic conflicts to search for a solution.

 

The realization and outcome of the peace development plans that will be proposed in targeted countries and regions at the event depend on the participation and commitment of the members of the society (stakeholders).

 

HWPL plans to announce how to build educational infrastructure to expand the implementation of its peace education.

 

And the IPYG and IWPG will present a citizen-led peace development initiative and action plan presented through an international network. In addition, we would like to call for international solidarity and support to achieve these plans.

 

☕

#HWPL #IPYG #IWPG #PEACE #PEACE_LOVING #PEACE_KEEPER

… … …

WWW.HWPL.KR

 

International Jazz Day 30 April

Tenth anniversary celebration of International Jazz Day

International Jazz Day has had extraordinary successes over the past decade, becoming the world’s largest annual celebration of jazz.

It is a global movement, engaging people annually, on every continent, through education programs, performances, community outreach and media coverage.

The 30 April 2021 celebration will entail a 10-year anniversary All-Star Global Concert streaming live at 5:00 pm (US EDT) on jazzday.com, YouTube and Facebook. Hosted by UN Messenger of Peace Michael Douglas and featuring spectacular performances by

Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, Andra Day, Dee Dee Bridgewater, John McLaughlin, Dianne Reeves, Joe Lovano, Angelique Kidjo, John Beasley (Musical Director) and many more artists. 

Additionally, we'll enjoy socially distanced performances from across the globe and educational programmes and community outreach initiatives taking place in more than 190 countries.

The virtual education programme will include master classes led by acclaimed artists.

#HWPL #JAZZ #INTERNATIONAL_DAY #UN #FACEBOOK #YOUTUBE

♬♪♩

www.un.org

Lesson 5. Being Grateful for Kindness and Grace

Section 1. Gratitude

In the 21st century, there are many conflicts and wars due to different views on race, ethnicity, region, religion and sects. Gratitude is a peace-based value that can overcome such closed collectivism, and strengthen the solidarity of societies, states, and the international society.

#SOCIETY #PEACE #RACE #ETHNICITY

Section 2: Gratitude and Peace

Gratitude is helpful in creating social relations and strengthening ties between nations. For example, during World War II, Norway received help from England. Ever since then, Norway has gifted a Christmas tree to England’s Trafalgar Square every December since 1947, without missing a year. In 2019, Canada sent firefighters to Queensland, Australia to help extinguish the wildfires. François-Philippe Champagne, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs at that time, expressed in an official statement that “When wildfires spread through Canadian communities, Australia answered our call for help. We are proud to do the same.”

#GRATITUDE #PEACE

Section 3: Gratefulness and Peace That Begins with Myself

Gratitude should be a part of our daily lives, and we should express it frequently. Let’s start with baby steps, such as writing daily gratitude journals and expressing our gratitude to our neighbors. If we express our gratitude regardless of nationality, race, and religion, we can create a peaceful world by spreading warmth and love.

#RELIGION

Am I thankful for the little things? Gratitude is not only for when good things happen. We can feel true gratitude by recognizing the everyday kindness that we take for granted. However, this is not easy.

That’s why we have to reflect on the kindness we’ve received in our lives.

 

By looking back on our day, we can recognize everything that we took for granted that we can be thankful for. If it is difficult for us to find something to be thankful for, imagine a world without anything that exists in our lives now. “What would life be like if I couldn’t see or hear?” “What if I had no friends or family?” “What if I had no teachers?” “What would life be like without firefighters, police and doctors?” “What if this country didn’t exist?” “What if there was no water or light?” Let’s imagine life without these everyday gifts. What will happen then? We’ll be thankful for what we once took for granted. We often only focus on what we lack and complain habitually without even realizing it. However, if we change our perspective and way of thinking, there are countless things we can be grateful for.

 

Gratitude makes our lives more full. When we are grateful, our body functions better. Gratitude makes us more positive, and helps us move forward even in difficult times. It also helps us make more friends and strengthen ties. If a drop of paint falls into a glass of water, it will spread throughout the water.

 

Just like this, gratitude is an important peace-based value that will help us develop ourselves, strengthen social ties, and help create friendly international relations. Let’s practice peace by thanking those around us and writing gratitude journals.

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

WWW.HWPL.KR

International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, 24 April

As the most representative international organization and the utmost expression of multilateralism, the United Nations is the main instrument to address multifaceted and complex global challenges through collective action. 0401

◾■◾■◾■◾■◾

https://www.un.org/en/observances/Multilateralism-for-Peace-day

Background

 

The United Nations came into being in 1945, following the devastation of the Second World War, with one central mission: the maintenance of international peace and security.

The Charter of the United Nations states that one of the United Nations' purposes and principles is the commitment to settle disputes through peaceful means and the determination to succeeding generations from the scourge of war.

 

Conflict prevention remains, however, a relatively under-publicized aspect of the UN's work. Meanwhile, the most efficient and desirable employment of diplomacy is to ease tensions before they result in conflict, or, if conflict breaks out, to act swiftly to contain it and resolve its underlying causes.

Preventive diplomacy is very important in supporting United Nations efforts to assist in the peaceful settlement of disputes.

 

Commitment to multilateralism and international peace and security was also reaffirmed by most world leaders in the General Debate in September 2018. This commitment was also reinforced in the discussion during the High-level Dialogue on Renewing the Commitment to Multilateralism on 31 October 2018.

On 12 December 2018, the General Assembly adopted the resolution, "International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace" (A/RES/73/127) by a recorded vote of 144 in favour to 2 against.

By that text, the General Assembly invites all Member States, observers and organizations of the United Nations to observe the International Day in an appropriate manner and to disseminate the advantages of multilateralism and diplomacy for peace, including through educational and public awareness-raising activities.

 

❝

#PEACE #EDUCATION #DIPLOMACY #UN #HWPL #PEACE_WALK

❞

 

 

World Creativity and Innovation Day 21 April

♬Creativity and Culture♩

UNESCO’s International Fund for Culture and Diversity funds indigenous filmmakers in Brazil.

The creative economy –which includes audiovisual products, design, new media, performing arts, publishing and visual arts– is a highly transformative sector of the world economy in terms of income generation, job creation and export earnings. Culture is an essential component of sustainable development and represents a source of identity, innovation and creativity for the individual and community. At the same time, creativity and culture have a significant non-monetary value that contributes to inclusive social development, to dialogue and understanding between peoples.

♧Economic Growth Strategies♣

Cultural and creative industries should be part of economic growth strategies, according to the UNESCO report on culture and sustainable development. These industries are among the most dynamic sectors in the world economy, generating $2.25 billion in revenue and 29.5 million jobs worldwide. In that spirit, countries are harnessing the potential of high-growth areas of the market for economic returns and poverty alleviation.

♡New Momentum♥

On #WCID, the world is invited to embrace the idea that innovation is essential for harnessing the economic potential of nations. Innovation, creativity and mass entrepreneurship can provide new momentum for economic growth and job creation. It can expand opportunities for everyone, including women and youth. It can provide solutions to some of the most pressing problems such as poverty eradication and the elimination of hunger.

 

#UNESCO #UN INTERNATIONAL_DAY #HWPL #DPCW_1038

https://www.un.org/en

The Efforts of Religious Leaders for a Better World

The Efforts of Religious Leaders for a Better World

 

There are many religious leaders cooperating with HWPL for various peace activities. They make up almost 17% of HWPL’s peace messengers, working tirelessly for peace amongst religions through their active participation in the World Alliance of Religions Peace (WARP) Offices’ dialogue of scriptures. Since the very first WARP Office in Irvine, United States in October 2014, there are currently a total of 253 offices in 129 countries. Each WARP office runs dialogue sessions at least once a month. In addition, there are various educational activities and seminars conducted in the HWPL Religious Peace Camps where civic society joins in to gain a better understanding of the different religions and thus spread a culture of peace in their communities.

 

Starting in 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic brought upon an unprecedented challenge to people around the world. Many had to face the daunting reality of overcoming a global, virulent outbreak without any vaccines or viable treatments. Many also lost their loved ones and neighbors, and many also lost their jobs in the midst of diminished economic activity on a global scale. The peace work undertaken by religious leaders working with HWPL could not avoid these overwhelming changes as well.

WARP offices,

 religious peace camps and other peace activities had to be moved online and required more ingenuity in reaching out to those in crises and to provide much-needed comfort.

 

During 2020, HWPL held 27 online peace conferences, big and small, where a total of 522 participants of more than 36 religious affiliations and 92 countries gathered to pray for a quicker end to the pandemic and for the world to be given the wisdom and strength to overcome the struggles and trials. One noteworthy gathering was held on 14th December, titled,

“United Hopes & Prayers for a Brighter 2021.”

In this special occasion, a total of 258 participants attended the online prayer conference. 11 religious leaders representing 9 different religions led the participants in prayers according their own religious ways.

 

All who participated prayed with one heart and mind.

 

Reverend Marcel Andres Tanguilan of Knox United Methodist Church from the Philippines who attended the prayer conference commented, “the unity of the religious leader in prayer to end the COVID 19 is a victory. I am positive that God almighty will hear our prayers this night. The barriers between religious leaders are gone because of the work of HWPL.

” Mr. Sumit Kumar Monga of the Committee of Hindu Sanatan Mandir in Norway also added that “(it is) a living proof of HWPL’s slogan “

we are one”,

when religious leaders from different faiths chant their prayers and being appreciated by one and all. So many good hearts at one place.”

   

🍀

 

The prayer conference joined by hundred of religious leaders who prayed in earnest for the health and safety of the many is an excellent example of how HWPL had evolved in the times of the pandemic to transcend religious and denominational lines to carry out peace activities.

 

🙆

 

Due to the nature of the religious peace camps, it was difficult to gather many people in one place. Nevertheless, the challenges that arose did not dampen the enthusiasm of HWPL peace messengers who worked hard to spread the culture of peace throughout civil society. On July 5th, 2020, the HWPL Online India Religious Peace Camp was held in Mumbai, India in cooperation with the Kaash Foundation, an NGO based in Mumbai. At the religious peace camp, religious leaders and youths gathered to share and learn about each other’s cultures, the histories of the different religions and more, with the aim to achieve peace in religions. Each religious peace camp conducts various programs and activities suited to the host country and participating religious groups.

 

In this particular religious peace camp held in Mumbai, roughly 100 youths from various Indian cities participated online to study the purpose of religions, and its role in achieving peace and social unity under the theme of “Understanding Religion.” Dr. Kamini Gogri, Head of Research in Ancient Scriptures, Eikam Resonance Foundation, spoke in her speech, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting differences. She explained that “understanding religion is to understand and realize the thought process evolved through the ages. To recognize and respect differences is a valuable gift.” Pastor David Jessuhu from the Navigator Ministry in Delhi also shared that “in order to prevent religious conflicts and disputes, we must find a solution which is fundamentally based on understanding religion and we need to put it into practice,” thus stressing the importance of resolving religious conflict through a proper understanding of religions and putting it into practice.

 

HWPL WARP Offices were launched to tackle the difficult task of achieving true religious harmony through comparative study of scriptures by religious leaders and scholars. Since its start in 2014, there have been more than 10,000 dialogues of scriptures held. The reason for conducting the dialogues of scriptures whereby panelist discuss and compare the different religious texts is to achieve advanced, substantive discussions and understandings that go beyond superficial harmony and pleasantries.

 

Participants gain a deeper understanding of each other’s core doctrines, while laying down any unfounded fears that arise from a lack of knowledge of the other, and thus the risk of extremism and coercion.

Truth

 is pursued through deep dialogue and discussions based on each scripture. Through these efforts, we are able to work towards a future with lasting peace which is a common teaching of religions.

 

Topics mainly covered in the WARP Offices include subjects like all creation in the world, the beginning of Man, creation, end times, scriptures, religion and its history, the use of figurative language, key figures in religious texts and about the world that we are living in.

 

At this point, we would like to introduce the South Africa Johannesburg WARP Office, which held its dialogue over September and October 2020 with the topic of "Figurative language in Scriptures.” In response to the question, "What is the most misunderstood metaphorical language in your scripture / teachings?” the four religious leaders answered as follows:

(Sunni Islam) Sheikh Aman Ntiya explained that there are no misunderstandings within the Holy Quran and that the teachings in the Quran are loud and clear. However, the misunderstandings that people have are largely due to inadequate knowledge about the scriptures. "And certainly We have revealed to you (Muhammad PBUH) clear communications and none believes in them except the transgressors" – Quran 2 verse 99

 

(Buddhism) Ngodup Dorjee explains the concept of Suynata or “Emptiness” which is a central teaching of Buddhism. However, its true meaning is often the most misunderstood. Emptiness is not a complete negation of existence. This would be a nihilistic view contrary to common sense. What it does mean is that things do not exist the way our self perceives them to be. In his book on the Heart Sutra, the Dalai Lama calls emptiness, “the true nature of things and events,” but in the same passage he warns us, “to avoid the misapprehension that emptiness is an absolute reality or an independent truth.”

In other words, emptiness is not some kind of heaven or separate realm apart from this world and its woes.

🗝

(Hinduism) Guru Kiritbhai Acharya answered that Hindu gods are depicted as having many heads or hands to emphasize their strength and power. Each represents a certain quality or value. The symbolic meaning must be explained and understood. For example, Mother Lakhsmi’s four hands represent the four aspects of human life important to Hindu culture: dharma (duty), kāma (desire), artha (purpose), and moksha (liberation).

 

(Christianity) Pastor Wilson Wandawanda explains that metaphorical language in the bible is often misunderstood. An example of this would be the word “seed.” It is often misunderstood to mean “money” and therefore is often used to promote the notion of ‘prosperity.’ This in turn has caused Christianity to be perceived as a ‘prosperity’ religion. In Luke 8:11, it is clear that the seed is meant to represent the Word of God.

🌲

In this imperfect world, there are many ongoing wars and the freedom of many people are still being repressed in certain countries while others are also suffering from the wide-ranging effects of the pandemic.

At first glance, the utopian world with lasting peace seems so far away. However, religious leaders who are always working to lead their followers on the right path will not give up easily on their path to peace and back down in the face of obstacles. Their uplifting work are an important pillar of HWPL’s peace movement.

🙏

We are sure their efforts will continue to illuminate the path to peace in the future.

 

#PEACE #HWPL #IPYG #WARP_OFFICE #GOD #RELIGION

   

WWW.HWPL.KR

 

INTERNATIONAL DAY : Chinese Language Day 20 APRIL

2021 Events Theme: Highlighting Pictographs

A three-event series on three types of pictographs associated with three World Heritage sites

 

In celebration of United Nations Chinese Language Day 2021, UNSRC Chinese Book Club is organizing three events under the theme "Highlighting Pictographs".

The three events focus on three types of pictographs associated with three cultures and three UNESCO World Heritage sites. All three events will be conducted live via Zoom. Each event lasts one hour and includes a 10-minute Q&A session.

 

H.E. Mr. ZHANG Jun, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations, will deliver the opening remarks at the first event on April 19.

 

Chinese Language Day

Language Days at the United Nations seek to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote equal use of all six official languages throughout the Organization. Under the initiative, UN duty stations around the world celebrate six separate days, each dedicated to one of the Organization's six official languages.

Why April 20?

The date for the Chinese day was selected from Guyu ("Rain of Millet"), which is the 6th of 24 solar terms in the traditional East Asian calendars, to pay tribute to Cangjie. Cangjie is a very important figure in ancient China, claimed to be an official historian of the Yellow Emperor and the inventor of Chinese characters.

Legend has it that he had four eyes and four pupils, and that when he invented the characters, the deities and ghosts cried and the sky rained millet.

From then on, Chinese people celebrate the day Guyu in honour of Cangjie. In the Gregorian calendar, it usually begins around April 20.

Chinese at the UN

Chinese was established as an official language of the United Nations in 1946. However, in early years, Chinese was not commonly used in the work of the United Nations. The situation was improved after restoration of the lawful rights of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations in 1971.

 In 1973, the General Assembly included Chinese as a working language, which was followed by the Security Council in 1974. More and more UN offices and staff members work with Chinese language.

#UN #CHINA #CHINESE_LANGUAGE #LANGUAGE #INTERNATIONAL_DAY #HWPL #IPYG #IWPG

https://www.un.org/zh/observances/chinese-language-day/english